Refurbished Servers

There is a clear reason why so many companies are choosing refurbished servers for their IT needs. That reason is cost, as companies are always looking for ways to trim their IT budget. As businesses recover from recent economic downturns, that may change, but for now, the market for this technology is thriving. However, just because a business needs to settle for budget hardware doesn’t mean they need to settle for less functionality. In reality, systems that are just a generation or two behind can meet all of a company’s needs, especially if the business is smaller or doesn’t rely heavily on its network.

What is the difference between new, used and refurbished servers?

There is a subtle, but important distinction between hardware that is labeled “used,” and refurbished servers. While used hardware is typically sold “as-is,” hardware that has been reconditioned is sold “like new,” and generally offers the same reliability and performance as a new model. Reconditioned components are brought back to factory settings, so the hardware can act like a blank slate for the new owner. This hardware is also roundly tested before it is sold to a company and checked for any issues that might not be immediately obvious. Reputable sellers will typically include the manufacturer warranty, which provides a layer of protection for the buyer, and such hardware will usually be eligible for support and maintenance through the original manufacturer or a trusted third party. Finally, a reputable seller will ensure the buyer has recourse should a problem arise, which ensures the purchasing company isn’t stuck with a sub-par piece of equipment.

Unsurprisingly, new hardware tends to be slightly faster, but it’s often more than the business needs. Companies that only have a handful of desktops to manage don’t need the best of the best every time an upgrade is made. Refurbished servers that are a generation or so behind will typically provide everything a business needs, but at a much lower cost.

However, it is essential that a company find a reputable seller that they can trust, and one that has been around for a while. After purchase, the firmware and OS will need to be updated regularly, and technical issues may arise. Some sellers are happy to provide ongoing support after purchase, and this can save valuable time and money. And choosing a reputable seller helps ensure that the business will still be around should something go wrong.

Fortunately, such instances are rare, and most dealers are willing to consult with a business and help them determine their needs.